NKEB14005U Geochemistry (GeoKem)

The learning outcome of the course is to build a fundamental understanding of the chemical processes happening in nature, from surfaces processes to mantle processes. We will develop an overall understanding of the role geochemistry has in geology, in our everyday lives and for the creation and development of the Earth and the origin and development for life.

When the course is finished it is expected that the student:

KNOWLEDGE

• Can express equilibria for precipitation and dissolution of minerals with respect to especially pH but also pressure, temperature and redox levels.
• Have an overview of where to find specific elements and why.
• Describe chemical reactions by balanced reaction equations.
• Describe the transport and behavior in aqueous systems at the surface and at elevated temperature and pressure.
• Have a good understanding of construction, building, and interpretation of phase-, speciation- and redox diagrams.
• Have an understanding of the pH levels where we can expect precipitation and adsorption of metals and this influence on water remediation.
• Can use quantitative concepts to establish the possible results of inorganic reactions.

 
SKILLS

• Can calculate and construct redox- and speciation diagrams with and without mineral phases.
• Use geochemical terminology to describe and explain geological processes.
• Make calculations aimed at interpretations of geochemical reactions and end products.
• Express relevant assumptions and access their justification.
• Use and combine formulae from the course topics.
• Have developed basic qualifications of problem solving and critical thinking and data assessment.
• To be able to predict chemical reactions and end products from different types of diagrams representing geological reactions, that builds on simple (aqueous solutions where only concentration varies) to more complex systems (variable concentration, P, T).

COMPETENCIES

• Are able to calculate and account for geological relevant diagrams (phase-, redox- and speciation-).
• Can predict the reaction path and outcome of inorganic reactions at given pH values or concentrations.
• Can use quantitative concepts and establish possible outcome of reactions.
• Can describe inorganic chemical processes in nature
• Have a basic knowledge of chemical principles from natural systems which will provide a base for future courses in geosciences and other advanced studies in any subfield of geochemistry.